World Parkinson’s Day

Observed on 11 April each year, World Parkinson’s Day is a time to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and support people living with the condition.

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World Parkinsons 1 Recovered

13 April 2026

Stories | Home Care

Observed on 11 April each year, World Parkinson’s Day is a time to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease and support people living with the condition.

It’s also an opportunity to reflect on what helps people experiencing Parkinson’s to continue to enjoy living at home. This includes support that protects independence, dignity, and choice. Support that isn’t just practical, but personal.  
 

Recognising the signs of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects movement and mood. The signs can look different for everyone and may change over time. Parkinson’s Australia groups symptoms into three categories:  

  • Early signs – including chronic constipation, loss of sense of smell, sleep disorders and mood changes. These can appear many years before motor symptoms.
  • Motor symptoms – including tremors, slow movement, stiffness and freezing, which can affect daily activities.  
  • Non-motor symptoms – ‘autonomic’ symptoms such as continence or blood pressure changes, as well as cognitive symptoms like problems with memory and concentration.
     

Some of these symptoms may have other causes or be part of natural ageing. 

If you notice changes that concern you, a GP can help assess what’s happening and, if needed, arrange further support or referral. 

Seeking advice early can offer clarity, reassurance and access to appropriate care. 

Living with Parkinson’s

While Parkinson’s can bring challenges, with the right mix of clinical care, practical strategies and everyday support, it’s possible to keep doing the things that matter most to you, while staying comfortable at home and connected to your community. .  

When Parkinson’s affects energy, mobility or confidence, home care support can help make daily life feel more manageable. And because needs can change over time, support works best when it can change with you.

BaptistCare home care can become part of your trusted circle of support, working alongside you so that you can continue to enjoy living at home on your own terms. Care is shaped together, taking a whole-person approach that looks at your goals, physical health, emotional wellbeing and everyday life.

Through Government funded Support at Home packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program, BaptistCare home care support may include help with daily tasks, personal care, transport, home maintenance, nursing care and selected allied health services. 

Nursing care

BaptistCare home care nursing teams offer personal clinical care and health management. Highly trained and experienced registered and enrolled nurses work with you to support your health, recover from any setbacks, monitor your ongoing clinical needs and maintain your independence at home. 

Care looks at who you are as a person. It takes into account your health, wellbeing, everyday life and personal circumstances, alongside practical treatment and ongoing support. It can also include information and education about living with your condition. Nursing care can be provided for a short time or over a longer period, depending on what’s right for you and your funding arrangements.

Read more about BaptistCare home care nursing

Allied health services

BaptistCare home care also offers selected allied health services that fit around you and your life, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy. 

Allied health professionals can work with you to support movement, everyday activities, safety at home and confidence, helping you maintain your independence.

Read more about BaptistCare allied health services

Personalised care and a trusted support network 

BaptistCare has been trusted to support thousands of Australians for decades, with care that is grounded in compassion, respect, and genuine understanding.

 Care is coordinated by a dedicated care facilitator. Practical support is delivered by a trusted team of care workers, while clinical support is backed by a multidisciplinary network of nurses and selected allied health professionals.  

With support from BaptistCare home care, your independence, dignity and choices can be supported – helping you feel more comfortable and confident living with Parkinson’s.  

If you are living with Parkinson’s and would like to know more about BaptistCare home care services, our team is here to help you. Please call 1300 275 227 (Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 6:00pm) or  complete the enquiry form below.

Moving together at BaptistCare Strathalan Day Therapy

At BaptistCare Strathalan Day Therapy, physiotherapist Mark leads a Parkinson’s exercise group. With his great sense of humour and supportive approach, Mark creates a welcoming and encouraging environment.  

Sessions combine chair-based exercises with music and movement, focusing on mobility, posture, balance, weight shifts and functional stepping patterns that support everyday independence. People work at their own pace, exploring new movements in a way that feels right for them. Some find the exercises challenging at first, but they often become easier with practice.  

Sessions also include falls-prevention tips and ways to recover safely after a fall, helping people move with greater confidence and feel safer in everyday life.

Beyond exercise, the sessions offer a space for connection, conversation and shared experiences, supporting physical, mental and social wellbeing. 

Some members have been attending since 2017, a reflection of the strong sense of community that has grown within the group. 

Here’s what some of them had to say: 

 “If I didn’t come here, I wouldn’t have a range of exercises to do at home.”

“I look forward to it.”

“It’s helped reduce my falling.”